3 Takeaways from Mandatory Mini Camp
3 Takeaways from Mandatory Mini Camp
James Bryant Jr - May 16, 2025
The Panthers wrapped up mandatory mini camp this past Thursday and here are 3 takeaways that stand out.
Stacked WR Room
When was the last time the Carolina Panthers had this much talent competing for the WR position. The aged vet Adam Thielen, second year WR's Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, rookies Tetairoa McMillan & Jimmy Horn Jr are considered by most to be locks to make the 53 man roster. This is where the not so fun decisions start for head coach Dave Canales who admitted that sorting out this wide receiver room will be difficult. The Panthers last year at most kept 6 wide receivers on the roster. At some points it was only 5. Adding on to the 5 mentioned above you have veterans David Moore entering his second season with Carolina and Clemson alum Hunter Renfrow who signed as a free agent. Moore was a reliable target for Bryce Young and played under Canales in Tampa. Renfrow missed the 2024 season due to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. As of this date they are only a year apart in age. Renfrow 29 and Moore 30 so that shouldn't play that much of a role in this process. Training camp and preseason will be the deciding factors and I can't wait to see how this plays out.
No News Is Good News In The Trenches
Now I asked this on my last live stream. Has anyone heard any good news from the Offensive and Defensive lines during mini camp. Besides Derrick Brown being back, which by the way is great, mums been the word in my opinion on the rest of the group. Besides an interview with new OLB Pat Jones and coach Canales saying new DT Bobby Brown III has put on 8 pounds of muscle I haven't heard much about anyone else. How is Ikem Ekwonu looking going into his 5th year? Where do we stand at the center position with Austin Corbett returning after injury derailed a promising season for him last year? Will there be a battle with Cade Mayes after he stepped up and had a good run to end 2024? If anyone has heard anything that I haven't please leave a comment and let me know. But as the old saying goes sometimes "No News Is Good News" and I'll take that for now.
Secondary Showing Promise
Jayce Horn got PAID. Tre'von Moehrig was a huge pickup in free agency at safety. Second year cornerback Chau Smith-Wade has definitely made an impression at mini camp. Lining up at CB, Slot CB and Safety. Jaycee Horn had this to say about Smith-Wade;
“He’s been one of the most impressive players to me. He’s lining up everywhere and making a lot of plays. I’m proud of him.”
4th Round pick Lathan Ransom out of Ohio State has looked the part. I do believe that Panthers see him as versatile an not just a run stopping safety. Shemar Bartholomew is another name that I've heard good things about from our local media at mini camp.
The only position in the secondary that the Panthers have had discussions with free agents has been the safety spot. They brought in Julian Blackmon and Marcus Williams. Both are still free agents. Today it was reported that the team spoke with the representatives for Justin Simmons. We'll have to wait and see if anything comes about.
Unlike last year at this time the Panthers have more cap space to work with but we'll still have to wait and see if any more additions to this secondary will come. Right now I do believe that Evero his happy with this unit but let's hope happiness doesn't lead to a state of contentment and the team continues to strive for improvement.
As Always Panther Nation "Y'ALL BE GOOD BE SAFE & KEEP POUNDING MAYNE"